Sing-song reads. It’s a term voiceover professionals use, and it describes a vocal pattern you might recognize – a rhythmic, almost musical cadence that unfortunately detracts from genuine, conversational speech. Instead of emphasizing key points naturally, or flowing like real talk, it sounds… well, a bit like singing.
Why Sing-Song Happens (and Why to Avoid It)
This sing-song pattern often emerges when people read aloud, especially when they are new to voice acting. Think back to early reading in school – that up-and-down rhythm is quite common. While perfectly normal in those early stages, it’s a habit that can undermine your voiceover work. Listeners want to connect with a voice that sounds authentic and relatable, not one that feels overly stylized or unnatural. For me, breaking free from sing-song was one of the initial hurdles in my voiceover journey, but with dedicated practice, it became a thing of the past.
Spotting (and Erasing) the Sing-Song Sound
What exactly does sing-song sound like? Imagine a nursery rhyme, or perhaps a slightly exaggerated, overly cheerful tone. You might hear the pitch rise and fall in a predictable pattern, creating a melody where there shouldn’t be one. Think of someone reading with a consistent, unwavering rhythm, rather than adapting their pace and pitch to the meaning of the words.
For instance, picture someone saying: “I went to the store, and bought some cookies, but they were all gone, when I got home.” Notice the almost melodic rise and fall? While this musicality can be engaging for children’s stories, it’s less effective for most voiceover contexts where a natural, conversational tone is key. To truly connect with your audience, dynamic and natural vocal delivery is essential.
Ditch the Sing-Song, Embrace Natural Flow
Moving away from sing-song involves conscious effort and practice. Focus on varying your pitch and pace to mirror natural conversation. Let your excitement elevate your pitch and speed, and allow seriousness or reflection to slow you down and deepen your tone. Even within a single script, your vocal delivery should ebb and flow with the content.
If you’re finding it challenging to shake the sing-song habit, remember that experience matters. For voiceover projects where a polished, natural delivery is paramount, consider partnering with seasoned voice talent. Feel free to reach out anytime to explore how professional voiceover can elevate your project: [email protected]
